Diplomatic relations between Canada and India have experienced an escalation of tensions in recent days, triggered by statements by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in which he stated that Canadian intelligence had identified a “credible” link between the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Canadian Sikh leader, and the Indian state.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen designated by India as a terrorist in 2020, was shot dead in his vehicle by two masked men outside a Sikh temple on June 18 in British Columbia.
Nijjar was a leader of a Sikh group, an Indian separatist group that calls for the independence of Khalistan or a separate homeland for Sikhs and which reached its peak in India in the 1980s.
Responding to the allegations, India called them “absurd” and demanded Canadian diplomats on Indian soil leave the country.
As the latest act in this escalation of tensions, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing its concern and issuing recommendations to Indian citizens residing in Canada or planning to travel to the North American country.
Canadian accusations of link between death of Sikh leader and India spark diplomatic tension
“In view of the rise in anti-India activities and political hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian citizens of Canada and those planning to travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,” it says. the notice.
“Recently, threats have been especially directed against Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda.”
Therefore, the Indian Ministry advises Indian citizens to avoid traveling to regions and possible places in Canada where such incidents have occurred.
“Our High Commission/Consulate General will continue to be in touch with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Canada,” the statement said.
The Indian Foreign Ministry’s statements reflect the worrying state of diplomatic relations between Canada and India. The situation continues to be subject to monitoring and attention by the international community and the diplomatic actors involved.
He is a student at the Faculty of Law of the National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. She is a member of the Research Seedbed of said Faculty and the Study Group on India and Southeast Asia of the National University of Rosario. She also completed the Diploma in Law and Digital State 4.0. She is an intern at SHEN, a business consultant with Asia and an editor at ReporteAsia.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/relaciones-diplomaticas/2023/09/20/con-una-escalada-de-tensiones-la-india-advierte-a-sus-ciudadanos-en-canada-que-actuen-con-la-maxima-precaucion/
